Collegiate football is going through a historical period of a large number of receiver classes. The Classes of 2020 and 2021 have some great talents like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, DeVonta Smith, CD Lamb, Jaylen Waddle and many more. The 2022 NFL Draft doesn’t have the top five blue chips that previous years had, but there are a few players who are bound to be really solid, if not very good players. The gap between the best players is small, and there is very little better recipient from the sixth-place recipient. It really can come down to fit and preference. That being said, here are ten of the best receivers in their class, what they do well, what they can improve, and how they compare.
Chris Olave, Ohio6 feet, 187 pounds
What he does well: Chris Olav was a major threat at Ohio State due to his easy acceleration, game-breaking second gear, and amazing ball handling skills. However, to call him a serious threat is to underestimate his skills. Olav is a silky trail runner with a great sense of protection. Playing with Garrett Wilson meant that Olav’s role was simplified, but he showed that he could win in many ways.
Where can it improve: Olav has rarely seen contention due to his playing style and usage, so there are legitimate questions as to whether he can win in traffic. However, this may be an irrelevant issue because it is open so often. He could add some size, but he probably shouldn’t if that would compromise his speed.
NFL Comparison: Terry McLaurin
Drake London USC 6’4″ 218 lbs
What he does well: Drake London looks and plays like a power forward. He has the size and strength to beat defenders in the line of scrimmage and at the point of capture. His jumping ability and strong arms make him a master of catching, and he is far more athletic than his size should allow. The USC quarterbacks consistently made it harder for London to catch than they should have, but somehow London still made them look good.
Where can it improve: London runs really well on routes, but relied more on winning due to his physicality. If London can become more consistent as a technical player, he will be a force to be reckoned with. It will also be seen how he recovers from a broken ankle.
NFL Comparison: Ty Higgins
Trailon Burks, Arkansas 6’2″ 225 lbs
What he does well: Trailon Burks has been a big play machine for the Razorbacks this season. Burks had great playing speed for his size and was dangerous every time he touched the ball. He’s a bit unconventional in his playing style and built as a wide receiver, but he does it. His powerful running style and great speed make him an offensive weapon that NFL teams will want to take the ball from him.
Where can it improve: The better Burks becomes a net recipient, the better. He can be a dangerous role player, but his pluses are the number one receiver. For a big receiver, he could have been much more physically fit at the interception point and could have improved his ball handling skills overall. Burks can be so, so good and he just needs to land with a patient enough team to take him with them.
NFL Comparison: Quincy Enunwa
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State 5’11” 183 lbs
What he does well: Garrett Wilson was another dangerous cog in Ohio State’s offense last season. His speed and ability to gain yards after a catch meant Ohio State hit him early, often, and all over the field. Wilson plays much larger than advertised size, which fits in perfectly with his raw talent.
Where can it improve: Calling Wilson uncouth would be a disservice to the brilliant moments he showed as a route runner. The best estimate is that in the NFL he will have to rely more on technique than athleticism. Wilson’s talent is very obvious, but he needs to be more consistent in the NFL to be seen as a viable target rather than a player with a limited role.
NFL Comparison: Jeremy McLean
Jameson Williams, Alabama, 6’1″, 180 lbs
What he does well: As far as pure deep threat goes, Jameson Williams is best in class. He has dazzling jump speed and can somehow shift into second gear to get a late break from cover and outrun defense. In 2021, he had 11 touchdowns for 30+ yards, which is just a ridiculous number. Factor two back touchdowns and Williams is a big game waiting to happen.
Where can it improve: Williams is lanky at 6’1″ and can have difficulty with large physical coverage. His speed negates the amount of traffic he usually plays in, but that could limit his role in the NFL. His recovery from an ACL injury in a title match is noteworthy.
NFL Comparison: Will Fuller
David Bell, Purdue, 6’1″, 212 lbs
What he does well: David Bell is about the same polished and well balanced receiver in this class. He is physically fit, runs technically well on routes, has the strength and ball skills to outplay full-backs on the pitch. He ate targets at Purdue and appeared consistently in their biggest games, scoring 200-yard rushes against Iowa and Michigan State. He is a gamer.
Where can it improve: Poor sports testing has definitely spoiled a lot of David Bell, but he is definitely the type of player where you can put a lot of sports problems aside after seeing him win on film. He’ll need to be technically proficient in the NFL to make up for less speed or surprise, but there’s nothing on his track record to suggest he won’t end up in the NFL offense.
NFL Comparison: Gabriel Davis
Jahan Dotson, PA 5’10” 178 lbs
What he does well: Jahan Dotson has a combination of speed, acceleration and agility that would have eclipsed all cornerbacks during his time at Penn State. Dotson’s athleticism is combined with fast running down the route to upset the defense and ease the break. With the ball in hand, Dotson is a natural runner who can gain big yards after a catch.
Where can it improve: Dotson’s game is way below the clip. He is not a big or physical player who can consistently win in traffic and will need to improve against stickier surfaces if he wants to see targets in midfield.
NFL Comparison: Elijah Moore
George Pickens, Georgia 6’4″ 195 lbs
What he does well: There’s a lot to love about Jeroge Pickens. Any time there’s a 6ft 4in receiver under 4.5 it deserves a lot of attention. Pickens is not only an impressive athlete, but also a fearless player on the field. His resilience shows on the line of scrimmage and on the pitch against contested lighting. He doesn’t shy away from contact and hits defensive backs most of the time.
Where can it improve: Pickens is still less than a year away from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out for most of the season. His further recovery process will need to be monitored. Aside from that, Pickens is still raw in many aspects of his receiving game and has played first-run offense. However, it’s hard not to notice Pickens’ appeal with his physique, speed, and mentality.
NFL Comparison: Devante Parker
Christian Watson ND 6’4 205 lbs
What he does well: Christian Watson’s athleticism is incredibly amazing considering his height. He is agile and explosive before and after the catch. He has been a weapon throughout his collegiate career as a receiver, running back and hitting back. One would expect a gifted athlete dominating at the FCS level to be at least a little uncouth in the technical aspects of the game, but Watson impresses here too. He runs well on the route with very good awareness on the pitch.
Where can it improve: The biggest question will be the jump in competitive levels, but there’s no question that Watson has talent in the NFL. If he can consistently use his frame against cover more often, he will quickly become a deciding factor in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Denzel Mims
Calvin Austin III Memphis 5’8 170 lbs
What he does well: When in doubt, pick Memphis hitters. Calvin Austin III is next in line after the Tigers sent Tony Pollard, Antonio Gibson and Kenneth Gainwell to the NFL. The Austin III has sprint speed at wide receiver and has used it to have two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He runs great on the route and rarely misses open passes, making him the perfect threat for a big game in passing offense.
Where can it improve: As you can see, Calvin Austin is smaller than most NFL wide receivers. Being 5ft 8in on a good day will excite many NFL teams. Austin’s success will depend on teams getting his speed right and keeping him out of contention. He may not have the best wide receiver, but he can be a dangerous player in the right situation.
NFL Comparison: Marchioness Goodwin